How To Get Lipstick Stains Off Clothing

Lipstick is the easiest way to pull a look together. A coat of lipstick can instantly change a whole outfit. However, it can also ruin it. I was in the Hampton’s last weekend and my friend managed to smear pink lipstick all over her white blouse. Since she only packed enough outfits for the weekend, so she didn’t have anything else to wear. I knew from previous experience that rubbing alcohol is one way to remove lipstick stains. Unfortunately, we were staying at an Airbnb that was not well stocked with cleaning supplies or a first aid kit. Pretty much the only things we had were food and alcohol, so I had to get crafty. I had my friend remove the shirt and I blotted with a paper towel soaked in vodka. Yes, vodka. I figure it wasn’t too different that rubbing alcohol. It turns out I was right! The vodka got the majority of the stain out. Then I rinsed the area with warm water and dried it was a hair dryer.

I wouldn’t recommend using this method on a regular basis, but it’s easy trick for when you are in a social situation (like at a bar or a party). It’s best to treat lipsticks stains as soon as they happen, so you don’t want to wait. Lipsticks are typically made with an oily/waxy component and dye, so you need a stain remover that is able to cut through the grease. If you have the proper supplies, these are the best methods:

Rubbing Alcohol: Take a cotton pad and dampen it with rubbing alcohol. Gently blot the stain (do not rub). This should remove most of the stain. Try to launder as soon as possible.

Hair Spray: Hairspray contains alcohol so it can be used as an alternative to rubbing alcohol. Spray the hairspray onto the lipstick stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then wipe the hairspray off the stain with a clean cloth dipped in warm water. Wash the item like you usually would.

Dish Soap: Dish soap is made to clean greasy pans and dishes, so it makes sense that it would work on an oily lipstick stain. Simply cover the stain with liquid dish soap. Scrub the stain with warm water or throw it in the wash.

Spot Cleaner: Use a stain remover (like Shout or Revolve) on the stain. Gently scrub the stain and rinse with warm water. If this does not remove the entire stain, immediately through the garment in the wash.